35 Common Phrases You've Been Saying Incorrectly

Do you believe that all the terms which you commonly use in everyday conversations are correct? You might just be in for a shock! There are many phrases you're probably saying wrong. You disagree? Take this quiz and see what comes out of it.

Advertisement

'Perceived Usage' and 'Grammar Violations', both, are common occurrences in present times, and mainly a result of lifestyle changes and technological advancements.

It is somewhat true that, in life, we learn more by experience than from textbooks. For example, take the English language. It's so much simpler for a person to study the language when it's spoken by family and friends. Now even though this may seem all so very simple, there is also a high probability that we unknowingly pick up things that are said wrongly, and just go with the flow.

While we all believe that the 'everyday phrases' which we use are perfectly okay, sometimes that is not the case. There are many phrases often said incorrectly, and passed on to others around, who continue using it in the wrong way, though unknowingly.

Now, I am sure you're curious and want to find out the phrases that you've been saying wrong, or maybe even right too for that matter. You ought to be! Get right onto it with the quiz here, and see the results for yourself.

Most Common Phrases Wrongly Used: TRIVIA

Phrase 1. Buzzle.com is a huge '__________' of useful information.

A. suppository

B. repository

Explanation: 'Suppository' is a pill that melts when it is administered through the rectum or vagina. 'Repository' basically refers to storage.

Phrase 2. His performance was in continuous decline, with each outing being '________________'.

A. worse than the next

B. worse than the last

Explanation: Here, 'the last' means the previous one. For it to be worse than the next, one would have to be able to see in the future.

Phrase 3. That was the only day all her '_______________' had gathered at the same place for any reason.

A. brother-in-laws

B. brothers-in-law

Explanation: A noun can be made plural. Here, both 'brother' and 'law' are nouns, but since the number of brothers is being talked about, brother becomes brothers and law remains singular.

Phrase 4. When you fall by the '_________', you might not be keeping up with the rest of the group.

A. inside

B. wasteside

C. wayside

Explanation: Fall by the wayside suggests that you are not keeping pace with someone else or a group of people.

Phrase 5. He made a complete '__________________' in his stance when he was called up to the witness box.

A. 360 degree change

B. 180 degree change

Explanation: 360 degrees would mean that you've returned to the same place where you started, which would mean you didn't change at all. A 180 degree change would suggest that you are at the complete opposite end.

Phrase 6. Even though he was driving on the right side of the road, he was lucky to have a '_________' when the other car changed direction.

A. near miss

B. near hit

Explanation: If another vehicle were to nearly miss you, it would mean that it collided with you. If it nearly hit you, it means that it came close to colliding with you, but narrowly missed.

Phrase 7. He is very good at what he does. He can '______' it up to experience.

A. chuck

B. chock

C. chalk

Explanation: 'Chalk it up' refers to giving credit to something, which over here is experience.

Phrase 8. He gave the kids a '___________' during the class, so as to bring out the best in their creative skills.

A. free rein

B. free reign

Explanation: 'Reign' indicates there is a ruler or someone who has control over others, like free reign over the country. 'Free rein' means giving freedom of thought and actions.

Phrase 9. The other day, Mike met his school friend at the mall '______________'.

A. on accident

B. by accident

Explanation: We can do something on purpose, but not on accident.

Phrase 10. Considering the crime that he had committed, he was lucky to get away '____________' in the end.

A. scotch-free

B. scot-free

C. scott-free

Explanation: 'Scotch-free' and 'scott-free' are absolutely wrong, and just deviations that people have unknowingly used from time to time.

Phrase 11. If you agree that something should be made legal by law in your country, what would you say?

A. I jibe with that

B. I jive with that

Explanation: 'I jibe with that' suggests that you find it correct and agree with it.

Phrase 12. In this day '___' age, nearly every child owns a smartphone.

A. and

B. in

Explanation: Even though you may find people using 'in', especially while writing a column or article, 'day and age' is the correct usage.

Phrase 13. Because of what happened today, you will never '____' foot in that house ever again.

A. step

B. set

Explanation: 'Set foot' is correct and means that you will not physically place yourself in that house again.

Phrase 14. And now, '________________________', I would like to introduce you to the debate panel for tonight's talk show.

A. without further ado

B. without further adieu

Explanation: 'Ado' is correct, which means no more delay or interruptions. 'Adieu' means goodbye.

Phrase 15. We would still need to go over the finer details, but for all '_____________' purposes, the deal is as good as done.

A. intensive

B. intents and

Explanation: When we say 'for all intents and purposes', it means that the related matter is true in every practical sense.

Phrase 16. The '________' of limitations has actually expired, therefore you cannot be held responsible for that crime any longer.

A. statue

B. statute

Explanation: 'Statue' is wrong, simply because it means a cast or figure of a living thing.

Explanation: 'Defect' is to desert or join another cause. 'Depreciate' is the loss of value over time.

Phrase 33. Shirley is waiting on you hand and foot. This means she may also be at your '___________' call.

A. beck and

B. beckon

Explanation: 'Beck and call' is correct. 'Beckon' refers to gesture to another person to do something or approach someone else.

Phrase 34. The other day I went to the store and '_______' the latest smartphone for myself.

A. brought

B. bought

Explanation: 'Bought' is correct, because it means buying something. The term 'brought' is used to refer to physically bringing or moving something to some place.

Phrase 35: Here, just '_____' my bag while I climb the wall and see what's on the other side.

A. hold

B. catch

Explanation: Many people would say 'catch' in this situation, which is wrong. 'Catch' can be used for a falling object, like 'try to catch the ball when I throw it'. Simply giving something to someone needs to be 'hold this for me'.

Please answer all the questions to check your result.

So, did you find any of these phrases really surprising? These are the most commonly used phrases in our everyday lives, and I am sure there are many others that would be equally baffling to many. So, if you have any to add to this list, use the comments section below to share it with everyone here. I'll sign off with something funny, but useful Craig Ferguson said, "When in doubt about who's to blame. Blame the English."